How to import dates from Algeria, step by step

Step 1: choose your variety and packaging

Importing dates from Algeria starts with two simple questions: which date, and in what pack? Deglet Nour is the best-known Algerian date and the usual choice for retail shelves. Ghars, Degla Beida and Mech Degla each meet a different need, from pastry fillings to everyday, good-value dates.

Packaging matters just as much. You can order branched dates (still on the stem), 5 kg cartons, 1 kg or 500 g boxes, or bulk. Think about where the dates will end up: a supermarket shelf, a bakery or a wholesale market. That answer usually decides the pack for you.

Step 2: taste samples, then ask for a pro forma invoice

Before you commit to a container, taste the product. Any serious Algerian dates supplier should be happy to send samples. At Algeria Global Dattes, samples go out by courier and usually arrive in 5 to 7 days. Check colour, texture, size and taste, and let your own customers try them if you can.

Once you are happy, ask for a pro forma invoice. This is a draft invoice that lists the variety, packaging, quantity, price, delivery terms and payment terms. It is not the final bill, but your bank and your customs broker may need it to prepare their side of the deal.

Step 3: agree on payment

Two payment methods are common. The first is a letter of credit (L/C): your bank promises to pay us as soon as we present the agreed shipping documents. It protects both buyer and seller.

The second is a 30% deposit when you confirm the order, with the remaining 70% paid against a copy of the bill of lading. The bill of lading is the shipping line's receipt for your goods; the copy shows they are loaded and on their way to you.

Step 4: packing, inspection and loading

After payment, your dates are sorted, packed and checked at our packing station in Biskra, in the heart of the Ziban oases. Packing usually takes 7 to 14 days, depending on the variety, the pack format and the season.

The goods then travel by road to the port of Algiers or Skikda for loading onto the ship. We agree the port with you when we plan the shipment.

Step 5: the export documents

Every shipment travels with a set of documents. The commercial invoice is the final bill for the goods. The packing list shows what is in each carton or pallet. The certificate of origin confirms the dates come from Algeria. The phytosanitary certificate is the official plant-health document, showing the produce meets plant-health rules. Finally, the bill of lading is the transport document issued by the shipping line.

Customs clearance at your end is handled by your own customs broker. Send them the documents as soon as you receive them, so they can check everything against local rules before the ship arrives.

Step 6: Incoterms in plain words

Incoterms are standard international trade terms. They say where our responsibility ends and yours begins. These are the four you are most likely to see.

EXW (Ex Works): you collect the goods from us and handle everything after that. FOB (Free On Board): we deliver the goods loaded on the ship at the Algerian port; sea freight and insurance are yours. CFR (Cost and Freight): we also pay the sea freight to your port, but the risk passes to you once the goods are on board. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): the same as CFR, with insurance for the sea journey added.

If you are new to importing dates from Algeria, CFR or CIF keep things simple, because the sea freight is arranged for you. Whichever term you choose, write it clearly on the pro forma invoice, so you, your bank, your broker and our team all work from the same page.